Friends, consider this...perhaps the pieces of the puzzle are not meant to tie meaning to one larger solution.  Instead, consider that they, on their own, make up the pieces of a larger work.  Is it possible that a mere piece could have value of its own?  I certainly believe so.

James, forgive me for my ignorance, but are you not the one that provided me with my moniker?

Neemo, I appreciate your interest in playing along.

For a third, I ask you to consider a compass.  What drives the needle?  What is its ultimate destination?  It shows no variance, only a desire to point to a terminal destination.  This clue, however, does not focus on that destination, but its counterpart.

Let's start anew, shall we?  As a refresher, for even I cannot recall where we left off, there were two pieces available...two pieces that, from my position, have not been shone under the light of inquiring minds.